Veridian

Veridian is a permanently occupied space station in Low Earth Orbit, buildable with today’s technology. By 2050, the station will support 100 long-term residents and visitors, accommodating research, fabrication, and tourism. Unlike existing space stations, Veridian offers a range of gravity environments, from Zero-G to artificial gravity approximating Earth and Mars, which are linked by an integrated transportation network to facilitate a cohesive orbital city.

At the core of the station is a linear, modular spine aligned with the orbit vector. Serving as the primary transportation and utility corridor, the spine is designed for long-term expansion. Above and below the spine are two rotating artificial-gravity rings oriented parallel to Earth. Spinning in opposite directions in order to cancel their angular momentum, the rings allow the habitat to rotate with the orbit, maintaining a consistent Earth-facing orientation.

Spinning at 2.2 rpm, the rings host habitable spaces at discrete radial distances, creating zones of different apparent gravity. The Earth Ring, with 150m radius, produces 0.8G. The Mars Ring, at 70m radius, simulates Martian gravity, enabling long-duration mission training and opportunities for space tourism. Designed to prioritize comfort and well-being, the rings include amenities for living, dining, farming, leisure, community gathering, and rest, all in an artificial gravity environment that mitigates the physiological and psychological risks of prolonged microgravity exposure.

The Spine itself remains a microgravity environment, enabling scientific research, manufacturing, docking operations, and entertainment in outer space. Solar arrays and thermal control systems are mounted on lateral trusses. The Transit Hub facilitates movement between the microgravity core and rotating rings through a pod-based transport network, forming an orbital analogue to a central train station.

Veridian reframes space stations not as temporary outposts, but as places to live and to establish a scalable, human-centered model for permanent life in orbit.